Eurotech WWPC for wrist-top computing

We couldn't really call ourselves Engadget without faithfully bringing you every wearable computer that we spot, so we feel that it's our duty to show you the Eurotech WWPC (wrist-worn PC) for Dick Tracy-like Linux or Windows CE action- even though it is merely a concept for now. Obviously designed for jobsite use and not to please the fashionista set, the WWPC features (in someone's imagination, at least) WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, a 3.5-inch TFT touchscreen, 64MB RAM/32MB ROM/SD slot for expansion, as well as an unspecified "low-power CPU." Of course you also get built-in speakers and wireless headset support, so your employer can chew you out after GPS narcs you out for those daily three-hour "siestas" behind the warehouse, and an eight-hour battery life from dual 2-cell Li-polymer rechargeable batteries, that should last most of your shift. Since this is just a speculative project for now, we'd also like to speculate and guess that these toys should start appearing on the shelves next month for under $100.

[Via LinuxDevices and Slashdot]

[Spooch @ Mar 14th 2006 11:39PM]

Im hoping that this fabulous device can also wirelessly scratch my butt while "synchronizing" its information with my 1999 Nokia cellphone, while simultaneously running Quake 4 at full specs with its advanced GPU, custom made, human-experimented, nano-technological graphics card, all while burning a DVD copy of my favorite Happy Days episodes.

Nice, also, If its not asking for much, I would like it in cornflower blue.

[james @ Dec 5th 2006 9:38PM]

I want, where they can buy?Lane could into my mail?

[jr @ Mar 15th 2006 12:01AM]

Well, that or show reruns of Futurama. I tell you, this device will be all the rage of one-eyed, express delivery captains everywhere.

[hers @ Mar 15th 2006 1:42AM]

But does it soak up sweat?

[Kal @ Mar 15th 2006 1:44AM]

Their website doesnt claim it to be a concept, its LinuxDevices' misreading of the pdf file on their site.

It seems to be fully functional..

cheers

[Amsterman @ Mar 15th 2006 2:32AM]

It might be a bad place to write this, but I was curious, didn't you guys have podcasts on tuesdays?

[jorros @ Mar 15th 2006 3:08AM]

wow, it even comes with a hardware coexistence handshake on the site...

[Jessica Simpson @ Mar 15th 2006 4:32AM]

I cna see this being released at some point as it will have to happen, but you say $100, your mad no chance no way.
Toys cost more than that, I would say your talking around $1800.

[Ed French @ Mar 15th 2006 5:10AM]

What a superb design ;-)
I just feel sorry for anyone whose free arm is not transparent, as those unfortunates might find using the directional control on the top a little awkward, the rest of us should be fine!

[spyboy @ Mar 15th 2006 6:06AM]

You can save the $100-1800 for this POS by just adding a velcro strap to your existing PDA or Cellphone.

As for that casing, it's not even flexible. So you're telling me a skinny person and a "standard frame" IT guy (xl for the rest of the world) are both going to be able to fit a plastic molded one size fits all on their wrist?

(and it's not even plastic/rubber coated like those sports-shock mp3 players)

[Vision77 @ Mar 15th 2006 7:24AM]

If they made these a bit more durable this would be awesome in a warehouse or factory setting. I have been management at a fortune 500 shipping company for almost 7 years. This would greatly increase productivity and reduce paper work. Of course there would have to be some sort of sync station for these units.

[Tech^Cellfish @ Mar 15th 2006 7:44AM]

[quote]But does it soak up sweat?[/quote]

Does it use sweat as a power source?

[David Utter @ Mar 15th 2006 8:04AM]

IBM had wrist-wearable Linux in 2000:
http://www.research.ibm.com/WearableComputing/linuxwatch/linuxwatch.html

Now the watch supports IPv6 and SIP. Can't seem to find it at Target yet, though.

[Timerider @ Mar 15th 2006 10:11AM]

#2
I was just thinking that when I saw this. :)
It's Leela's wrist computer.

If this is concept, they should use a color e-ink display as that would get better battery life. Anyway, me want!

[csven @ Mar 16th 2006 11:00AM]

I did an arm-mounted design VERY much like that about ten years ago; split circuit board, tilting screen, and reversible scan engine. It was one of several variations. After project completion, the design firm that hired me had excess budget to give me a day to do a next generation version which we modeled and which I mentioned in a recent blog entry (Link). You can see it here: Link (image does not show any of the arm-mounting straps/cradles developed for the other versions).

Color me not impressed. Most everything I see coming out today (e.g. Origami) I've seen a version of elsewhere.

[csven @ Mar 16th 2006 11:47AM]

Forgot "a href" doesn't work. Here are the links:

image: http://blog.rebang.com/pic/926NG_blueW.jpg
from post: http://blog.rebang.com/?p=577

[csven @ Mar 17th 2006 3:40PM]

Cripe. I can't get anything right (forgot I changed perms due to image bots scouring the net and hotlinking). Fortunately someone emailed me. Try this:

http://www.rebang.com/csven/926NG.html

If that doesn't work, to heck with it.

[Toby Udstuen @ Apr 5th 2006 4:53PM]

I like the concept! However, wait until the release of wearable PC's that use thinfilm flexible display tech like e-ink's epaper. These wearables will look more like thick sweat wristbands than wrist strapped boxes. Does anyone remember the Sci-Fi show Earth: Final Conflict? They had these cellphones with a tab on the side that allowed a large flexible display to be pulled out for video conf, or gps maps etc. Flexible displaies will make this tech not only cool but functional!